North Temple Pagoda, Suzhou

Name: North Temple Pagoda
Address: Renmin Lu, Suzhou, China

#10 among attractions in Suzhou

Temple, Buddhist architecture, Historical place

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Georg Denda / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Jakubhal / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Jakubhal / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Zhangzhugang / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Zhangzhugang / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / SCJiang / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / Drew Lietzow / URL

Facts and practical information

The North Temple Pagoda, a resplendent beacon in the ancient city of Suzhou, China, stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity and spiritual devotion of the region. This towering structure, reaching skyward at an impressive height of 76 meters, is a historical jewel nestled in the bustling urban landscape.

Constructed during the Southern Song Dynasty in 961 AD, the North Temple Pagoda, also known as Beisi Pagoda, has weathered the passage of time, standing firm through the ebb and flow of dynasties and modern development. The pagoda's design is a classic example of Chinese architecture, with its octagonal shape and gracefully tiered eaves that seem to ascend endlessly towards the heavens.

Visitors to the North Temple Pagoda are greeted by a grandiose spectacle of brick and wood, its nine stories crowned by an ornate spire. Each level is marked by intricate carvings and statues that reflect the craftsmanship and religious significance of the era. The pagoda is not only a place of worship but also a cultural icon, embodying the essence of Suzhou's rich heritage.

Climbing the pagoda presents a unique opportunity to witness the panoramic splendor of Suzhou, with the city's classical gardens, historic canals, and the modern skyline unfolding below. The ascent through the pagoda's interior reveals a series of wooden staircases and platforms, offering a glimpse into the architectural marvels of ancient China.

The North Temple Pagoda is a cherished destination for both pilgrims and tourists alike. It remains open to the public, inviting all who visit to partake in its storied past and enjoy the serene beauty it offers. Whether bathed in the golden hues of sunrise or the soft glow of dusk, the pagoda's presence is a constant reminder of Suzhou's enduring allure.

Local name: 报恩寺塔 Coordinates: 31°19'28"N, 120°36'54"E

Address

Renmin LuSuzhou China

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Suzhou

Day trips

North Temple Pagoda – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Humble Administrator's Garden, Lion Grove Garden, Suzhou Museum, Couple's Retreat Garden.

0.6 miE
Ming-era garden with 3 individual areas
Humble Administrator's Garden, Suzhou
16 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Suzhou, China, the Humble Administrator's Garden stands as a pinnacle of classical Chinese garden design. This sprawling garden, covering about 5.2 hectares, is the largest and most renowned of Suzhou's famous gardens.
0.6 miE
Chinese garden with ornate rockery
Lion Grove Garden, Suzhou
16 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Suzhou, a city renowned for its classical gardens, lies the Lion Grove Garden, an emblem of traditional Chinese landscape design. This historic park, established in 1342 during the Yuan Dynasty, is famed for its intricate water features, elegant...
0.8 miE
Chinese artifacts in a Pei-designed site
Suzhou Museum, Suzhou
20 min walk • The Suzhou Museum stands as a cultural beacon in the historic city of Suzhou, China. Renowned for its elegant blend of traditional and modern architecture, this museum is the brainchild of the acclaimed architect I.M. Pei, who was born in the city.
1.2 miE
Park, Historical place, Garden
Couple's Retreat Garden, Suzhou
31 min walk • Nestled in the historic city of Suzhou, China, the Couple's Retreat Garden is a verdant oasis that exemplifies the artful fusion of nature and design. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this picturesque park is a testament to the sophisticated garden culture...
0.8 miSE
Major religious site founded in AD 276
Xuanmiao Temple, Suzhou
21 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Suzhou, a city renowned for its classical gardens and traditional Chinese architecture, stands the Xuanmiao Temple, an emblem of spiritual heritage and historical significance. This ancient Taoist temple, whose name translates to "Mysterious...
1 miS
Park
Garden of Pleasance, Suzhou
27 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Suzhou, China, the Garden of Pleasance, also known as the Master of the Nets Garden, is a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and its tradition of classical Chinese garden design. This exquisite park, recognized as a UNESCO World...
~450 ftNW
Museum on the history of silk production
Suzhou Silk Museum, Suzhou
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of the ancient city of Suzhou, China, the Suzhou Silk Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of silk production and culture that has been woven into the city's history for over a thousand years.
1.1 miSE
Street
Pingjiang Road, Suzhou
28 min walk • Pingjiang Road, historically known as Shiquan Li, is a street and historic district in Gusu District, northeastern Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. It is a well-preserved area and is part of the so-called Old Town of Suzhou.
0.9 miSW
, Historical place, Garden
Garden of Cultivation, Suzhou
22 min walk • The Garden of Cultivation is one of the best preserved examples of a Ming Dynasty classical garden in Suzhou. It is part of the Classical Gardens of Suzhou on UNESCO's World Heritage Site list.
0.9 miSW
Garden,
Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty, Suzhou
22 min walk • The Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty is a Chinese garden located on 272 Jingde Rd. inside the Embroidery Museum in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. In 1997, it was recognized with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
0.7 miE
31°19'36"N • 120°37'34"E
Classical Gardens of Suzhou, Suzhou
17 min walk • The Classical Gardens of Suzhou are a group of gardens in Suzhou region, Jiangsu province, China, which have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to North Temple Pagoda?

Nearby attractions include Suzhou Silk Museum, Suzhou (3 min walk), Lion Grove Garden, Suzhou (16 min walk), Humble Administrator's Garden, Suzhou (16 min walk), Classical Gardens of Suzhou, Suzhou (17 min walk).

How to get to North Temple Pagoda by public transport?

The nearest stations to North Temple Pagoda:

Metro

Beisita • Lines: 4 (3 min walk)
Suzhou Railway Station • Lines: 2, 4 (20 min walk)

Bus

北寺塔 • Lines: 1 (5 min walk)
平门 • Lines: 1 (6 min walk)

Train

Suzhou (19 min walk)
乐桥 (30 min walk)